Sunday, April 08, 2007

Yesterday was a great run with the group. Jenny, Rick, Emily and I met early and did a three-mile loop before swinging back by the Y for the regular run. Eric, Rob, and George were out early too, and we all came by the Y in time to pick up a few more runners. I was in the lead for a short while - it was fun to look back and see everyone behind us.

After the run and a very long time at coffee, Eric and I headed to Bellingham. We met his Dad for dinner, then stopped by the grocery store before heading to my parents. While at the store, we ran into my manager from my computer programming days - back before the boys were born. We probably spent 45 minutes chatting with her at the store. We finally made it out to Mom and Dad's where we stayed up till after eleven visiting. We got up this morning and made it out to Lake Padden for our favorite Bellingham run. Eric elected to take a side trail and explore some new areas, while I ran two laps around the lake. It's about 2.6 miles around, half of it through forest, half through the developed park area. The path through the park goes past a fishing spot, through the swimming area, past a boat ramp, through more trees, a picnic area, a playground and finally the ball fields. Then it's back to the forest for lap two. I love this run - there are always walkers and runners out, it's wide and maintained and pretty. Back when the park opened, through college and when we lived and worked in Bellingham, I thought it was an incredibly long walk. I couldn't imagine how people could possibly run there. It gives me a secret thrill every time I find myself running along, remembering.

On the way home, we decided to take an alternative route back to my parents. On the way, Eric spotted a new trail head - it's a little nature preserve with a three mile loop - score! Guess where we'll be running next time we're in town.

Riley decided to join us for Easter - he drove up on his own this morning, then followed us back home tonight. It turned out to be the best of both worlds - we had a quiet visit with Mom and Dad last night and this morning, then today, my sister and her husband and our three nieces came, plus my other sister and Riley. Enough grandchildren were present to satisfy Grandpa and Grandma and to give them the noisy, rowdy holiday they love. Though it may sound like a full house, we were missing my two brothers, their wives and four kids, and Web. When all are present, we are full at 20. We had a very nice Easter weekend and I hope that all of you had the same.

MM#402, signing off from my rainy home, where the eggs went un-colored and the chocolate bunnies are gone.

Thanks for stopping by. Yes this day is truly special to me and always will be now. I was able to do a 5 mile run this morning and finished just about the time that I was being put on the operating table two years ago...oh what a change, a thankful change.

Thank you for not posting more pictures of your toes. You were a speedster around the lake. I've fattened myself up at the Easter feast so I can run two or three unsupported ultras on the reserves I've stored. Please pass the strawberry shortcake.

Glad you got to spend some quality time with family members. I ran past lots of houses this weekend where you could tell by the number of cars that there were family gatherings going on. Made me wish we could have taken a trip north to be with ours.